State transportation officials warned: vision first, taxes second

State transportation officials have been warning for the past few years that the money to keep up the current highway construction pace is about to run out. The problem though is convincing voters to support a tax increase.

Political consultant David Barklage tells transportation leaders they must sell a vision, not a tax increase. Barklage suggests that the vision come first. He says there is no cohesive message now.

Barklage sees three groups that must be convinced that state transportation is heading in the right direction: politicians, community leaders, and the general public. He warns politicians that the public’s attitude remains jaded from past broken promises.

Barklage says any successful campaign connects with the public, demonstrating that improved transportation will make a difference in their lives.